Jorge Garcia, was overcome with emotion on Friday afternoon as he watched Jesus’ final hours acted out by members of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

“I’m close to God so I feel really, really sad,” Garcia said. “This is very emotional for me.”

The portrayal called the Way of the Cross or Via Crusis, is a tradition for the congregation. Volunteers and members of the congregation put on the outdoor production on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday observed in commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus.

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Way of the Cross began as the practice of pious pilgrims to Jerusalem who would retrace the final journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary. Later, for the many who wanted to pass along the same route, but could not make the trip to Jerusalem, a practice developed that eventually took the form of the 14 stations currently found in almost every church.

The 14 scenes depict the moment Jesus is condemned to death up until when he is laid to rest in the tomb.

Jesus Rodriguez, who played the son of God on Friday, said being a part of Via Crusis is a duty he has as a member of the congregation.

“I like to help where I can in the church and this is the best way to do it.”

Juan Arizmendi, a longtime member of St. Francis, has been involved in the production for more than a decade. This year he was the director. Practices, preparation and costume-fittings began in January.

“It’s much more than a show,” Arizmendi said. “It’s something that comes from my heart. I love it. I don’t know how to describe it in words.”

“We’re not doing it to please anybody else, we’re not doing it to please them. Who are we doing it for? For God.”